Right now wineries and breweries, but not distilleries, are able to sell other forms of alcohol and food on their premises. HB15-1204 allows distilleries to sell beer, wine, or other alcohol and food in addition to their own products after obtaining a state and local liquor license. The bill will allow distilleries to provide a better experience for their customers.

“Colorado’s distilleries are the new craft experience ...]]>

(March 3) – The House approved Rep. Dan Pabon’s bill this morning to create a distillery pub license in Colorado.

Right now wineries and breweries, but not distilleries, are able to sell other forms of alcohol and food on their premises. HB15-1204 allows distilleries to sell beer, wine, or other alcohol and food in addition to their own products after obtaining a state and local liquor license. The bill will allow distilleries to provide a better experience for their customers.

“Colorado’s distilleries are the new craft experience for Coloradans,” Rep. Pabon, D-Denver, said. “This will give distilleries options to serve food and other alcohol to provide a world class experience for their customers.”

This morning’s unanimous vote sends the bill to the Senate.

]]>http://cohousedems.com/house-passes-pabons-distillery-pub-license-bill/feed/0House Dems Stand Up for Renewable Energy Standardhttp://cohousedems.com/house-dems-stand-up-for-renewable-energy-standard/
http://cohousedems.com/house-dems-stand-up-for-renewable-energy-standard/#commentsTue, 03 Mar 2015 01:04:13 +0000http://cohousedems.com/?p=8090(March 2) – An effort to reduce the state’s renewable energy standard was turned aside tonight by Democrats on the State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. The 6-5 vote was on party lines.

SB15-044 passed the Senate and was sponsored in the House by Rep. Dan Thurlow, R-Grand Junction. It would have reduced the renewable energy standard for large utilities from 30 percent by 2020 to 15 percent. The standard for electrical co-ops would be reduced from 20 percent to 15 percent.

In 2014, 10 years after ...]]>

(March 2) – An effort to reduce the state’s renewable energy standard was turned aside tonight by Democrats on the State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. The 6-5 vote was on party lines.

SB15-044 passed the Senate and was sponsored in the House by Rep. Dan Thurlow, R-Grand Junction. It would have reduced the renewable energy standard for large utilities from 30 percent by 2020 to 15 percent. The standard for electrical co-ops would be reduced from 20 percent to 15 percent.

In 2014, 10 years after Colorado voters made it the first state in the nation to establish a renewable energy standard, the state’s clean tech industries employed 22,000 Coloradans at an average salary of $78,000, with many of those jobs in rural Colorado.

Xcel, the state’s largest utility, recently included wind and solar projects in its capital investment plans not because of the renewable energy standard, but because they are the most cost-effective resources.

“Sun and wind are abundant in Colorado, they will never be depleted, they will never foul our air or our water and they will never give a Coloradan lung disease,” Rep. Max Tyler, D-Lakewood, said after he voted against the bill. “By rolling back the RES, we would discourage clean-tech energy solutions. That path strikes me as downright foolish.”

]]>http://cohousedems.com/house-dems-stand-up-for-renewable-energy-standard/feed/0Increasing Parental Involvement in Educationhttp://cohousedems.com/increasing-parental-involvement-in-education/
http://cohousedems.com/increasing-parental-involvement-in-education/#commentsMon, 02 Mar 2015 22:35:24 +0000http://cohousedems.com/?p=8088(March 2) – The Education Committee voted 6-5 this afternoon to pass a bill allowing parents to take time off from work to attend their child’s school activities to increase parental involvement in our kids’ education, which has a direct correlation to future academic success.

The bill, sponsored by Reps. John Buckner, D-Aurora, and Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, permanently extends and expands a 2009 law that was created to increase parental involvement. The 2009 law allowed parents to take time off to attend parent-teacher conferences, special education ...]]>

(March 2) – The Education Committee voted 6-5 this afternoon to pass a bill allowing parents to take time off from work to attend their child’s school activities to increase parental involvement in our kids’ education, which has a direct correlation to future academic success.

The bill, sponsored by Reps. John Buckner, D-Aurora, and Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, permanently extends and expands a 2009 law that was created to increase parental involvement. The 2009 law allowed parents to take time off to attend parent-teacher conferences, special education services or other disciplinary meetings and was scheduled to expire this year. HB15-1221 expands the list of activities to include ceremonies and meetings with school counselors.

A parent may take up to 6 hours of a leave a month, but not more than 18 hours of leave per academic year and must provide their employer with a week’s notice except in cases of emergency.

“Historically educators have been concerned about the lack of parent engagement with minority and low-income students,” Rep. Buckner said. “This bill will reduce barriers and make it easier for parents to actively participate in their child’s education.”

“Research has consistently shown that increased parental involvement in the education of their child leads to greater academic achievement,” Rep. Fields said. “This will give parents more flexibility to celebrate their child’s success and address problems in the classroom.”

The bill will now be heard on the House floor.

]]>http://cohousedems.com/increasing-parental-involvement-in-education/feed/0Dems Kill Attempt to Ban Abortionhttp://cohousedems.com/dems-kill-attempt-to-ban-abortion/
http://cohousedems.com/dems-kill-attempt-to-ban-abortion/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 22:58:28 +0000http://cohousedems.com/?p=8061(Feb. 26) – A measure to end a Colorado woman’s right to choose died in the Judiciary Committee this afternoon on a 7-6 party-line vote.

HB15-1041, a rerun of a similar piece of legislation from the 2014 session, was sponsored by Reps. Stephen Humphrey, R-Severance, and Kim Ransom, R-Littleton, and would have created a new crime for doctors who perform abortions, making them a class 3 felony with no exceptions for victims of rape or incest.

“Colorado voters have rejected an abortion ban by wide margins three ...]]>

(Feb. 26) – A measure to end a Colorado woman’s right to choose died in the Judiciary Committee this afternoon on a 7-6 party-line vote.

HB15-1041, a rerun of a similar piece of legislation from the 2014 session, was sponsored by Reps. Stephen Humphrey, R-Severance, and Kim Ransom, R-Littleton, and would have created a new crime for doctors who perform abortions, making them a class 3 felony with no exceptions for victims of rape or incest.

“Colorado voters have rejected an abortion ban by wide margins three times at the ballot box, most recently this past November,” said Rep. Daniel Kagan, D-Cherry Hills Village, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee. “We are not interested in eliminating a woman’s right to choose or allowing the government to interfere in the private relationship between a woman and her doctor.”

This is the third time in his three legislative sessions Rep. Humphrey has tried to outlaw abortion in Colorado, but support for the bill is declining. This year’s version only had three Republican cosponsors.

“I am disappointed our Republican colleagues continue to try to defy the will of Colorado voters and bring bills banning abortion, session after session,” said Rep. Lois Court, D-Denver, a member of the committee. “Colorado is clearly a pro-choice state, and we need to move on from divisive social issues and focus on rebuilding Colorado’s middle class.

]]>http://cohousedems.com/dems-kill-attempt-to-ban-abortion/feed/0Mitsch Bush I-70 Bill Gains Traction in Househttp://cohousedems.com/mitsch-bush-i-70-bill-gains-traction-in-house/
http://cohousedems.com/mitsch-bush-i-70-bill-gains-traction-in-house/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 18:58:14 +0000http://cohousedems.com/?p=8059(Feb. 26) – On the heels of a snowstorm that caused spinouts that closed Interstate 70 in both directions, Rep. Diane Mitsch Bush’s bill to reduce the number of wintertime traffic tie-ups on the mountain portions of I-70 won the House’s voice-vote approval this morning.

HB15-1173, sponsored by Reps. Mitsch Bush, D-Steamboat Springs, and Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale, would clarify the current chain law. Now, causing an accident or closing the highway when the chain law is in effect may result in fines ranging from $100 to ...]]>

(Feb. 26) – On the heels of a snowstorm that caused spinouts that closed Interstate 70 in both directions, Rep. Diane Mitsch Bush’s bill to reduce the number of wintertime traffic tie-ups on the mountain portions of I-70 won the House’s voice-vote approval this morning.

HB15-1173, sponsored by Reps. Mitsch Bush, D-Steamboat Springs, and Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale, would clarify the current chain law. Now, causing an accident or closing the highway when the chain law is in effect may result in fines ranging from $100 to $500. But there is much confusion about when and whether passenger vehicles must comply.

This bill specifies that from Nov. 1 to May 15, and from Morrison to Dotsero, passenger vehicles must have adequate tread depth on their tires or carry chains or other traction devices. It would not create checkpoints or new fines.

“This bill is not just a public safety measure,” Rep. Mitsch Bush said. “It will reduce economic losses that cost our state an estimated $143 million in 2014.”

After a recorded vote, the bill will go to the Senate.

]]>http://cohousedems.com/mitsch-bush-i-70-bill-gains-traction-in-house/feed/0Another Bipartisan Workforce Development Bill Advances in the Househttp://cohousedems.com/another-bipartisan-workforce-development-bill-advances-in-the-house/
http://cohousedems.com/another-bipartisan-workforce-development-bill-advances-in-the-house/#commentsWed, 25 Feb 2015 20:55:54 +0000http://cohousedems.com/?p=8055(Feb. 25) – The Education Committee voted 10-1 this morning to pass Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp’s bipartisan bill to provide better support and advice to Colorado high school graduates as they make decisions about post-secondary education and career choices.

HB15-1170 creates a Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Statewide Coordinator to work with school districts, businesses, higher education institutions and the Colorado Department of Education to develop programs and best practices to help high school students decide which post-secondary path is right for them. The bill is designed to ...]]>

(Feb. 25) – The Education Committee voted 10-1 this morning to pass Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp’s bipartisan bill to provide better support and advice to Colorado high school graduates as they make decisions about post-secondary education and career choices.

HB15-1170 creates a Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Statewide Coordinator to work with school districts, businesses, higher education institutions and the Colorado Department of Education to develop programs and best practices to help high school students decide which post-secondary path is right for them. The bill is designed to ensure that Colorado’s workforce can fill the jobs being created in the 21st Century economy by giving high school students increased post-secondary options.

“Colorado’s employment opportunities aren’t one size fits all and our workforce development and higher education options shouldn’t be either,” said Rep. Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada. “A four-year college isn’t always the right answer for everyone and this bill will give Colorado students better information to make future education and career decisions.”

The bill now goes to the Appropriations Committee.

]]>http://cohousedems.com/another-bipartisan-workforce-development-bill-advances-in-the-house/feed/0Speaker: Good Start, but ‘More Work to Do’ on Oil & Gas Issueshttp://cohousedems.com/speaker-good-start-but-more-work-to-do-on-oil-gas-issues/
http://cohousedems.com/speaker-good-start-but-more-work-to-do-on-oil-gas-issues/#commentsWed, 25 Feb 2015 19:37:37 +0000http://cohousedems.com/?p=8052(Feb. 25) – Speaker Dickey Lee Hullinghorst reacted today to the recommendations of the oil and gas task force appointed by Gov. John Hickenlooper.

“I thank the governor for assembling this task force, and I thank its members for their hard work and good-faith efforts to address the issues before it,” said Speaker Hullinghorst, who has been a key figure in legislative discussions around oil and gas issues in Colorado.

“While the recommendations the task force made will help, they do not fully address the core issue ...]]>

(Feb. 25) – Speaker Dickey Lee Hullinghorst reacted today to the recommendations of the oil and gas task force appointed by Gov. John Hickenlooper.

“I thank the governor for assembling this task force, and I thank its members for their hard work and good-faith efforts to address the issues before it,” said Speaker Hullinghorst, who has been a key figure in legislative discussions around oil and gas issues in Colorado.

“While the recommendations the task force made will help, they do not fully address the core issue of local control,” she said. “Without resolution to local control conflicts, citizens and local governments will continue to struggle with issues related to oil and gas development in their communities. This is a tough, complicated policy conversation, and there is more work to do by all parties involved to fully resolve the matter.”

“There have been reports that I may favor a ballot initiative. At this time, I believe a ballot initiative conversation is premature and not an avenue I am interested in pursuing. I look forward to continuing conversations with all parties involved, including mineral rights and surface rights owners, industry, environmental organizations, and local governments and communities on how we can best address the tensions caused by industrial activities in local communities.”

Currently federal, state and county elections are coordinated for overseas voting, but not municipal elections. HB15-1130 fixes the problem by bringing municipal election code in line with federal, state and county election codes.

“Democracy works best when everyone can have their voice heard,” Rep. Ryden said. “Whether it’s a federal, ...]]>

(Feb. 25) – A bipartisan bill from Rep. Su Ryden, D-Aurora, to help active-duty military deployed overseas and other overseas citizens vote in local municipal elections passed the State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee unanimously this morning.

Currently federal, state and county elections are coordinated for overseas voting, but not municipal elections. HB15-1130 fixes the problem by bringing municipal election code in line with federal, state and county election codes.

“Democracy works best when everyone can have their voice heard,” Rep. Ryden said. “Whether it’s a federal, state or municipal election, our active-duty military overseas and other citizens abroad deserve to have their ballots counted.”

Rep. Ryden represents House Disctrict 36, which includes Buckley Air Force base, and has long been a champion for Colorado’s active-duty military and veterans.

SB15-082 creates the Bright Future Colorado program, which allows Colorado counties to create a workforce development program that provides financial assistance to residents who pursue post-secondary education or other training from accredited institutions or credited training programs. The bill also allows counties to accept donations and contributions to their programs and ...]]>

(Feb. 25) – The House approved a bipartisan bill this morning from Assistant Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, to help Coloradans continue their educations and improve their workforce skills with near unanimous support, 62-3.

SB15-082 creates the Bright Future Colorado program, which allows Colorado counties to create a workforce development program that provides financial assistance to residents who pursue post-secondary education or other training from accredited institutions or credited training programs. The bill also allows counties to accept donations and contributions to their programs and create a tax credit or rebate for residents who contribute to the program if a county chooses.

“This will give counties the framework they need to help their residents upgrade their skills to find a good-paying good in our 21st century economy,” Rep. Moreno said. “It also gives counties the flexibility to create programs that work for their unique part of Colorado.”

The bill now goes to Gov. John Hickenlooper’s desk for his signature.

]]>http://cohousedems.com/bipartisan-workforce-development-bill-passes-house/feed/0Standing Up for Public Safetyhttp://cohousedems.com/standing-up-for-public-safety/
http://cohousedems.com/standing-up-for-public-safety/#commentsWed, 25 Feb 2015 17:48:47 +0000http://cohousedems.com/?p=8046(Feb. 25) – Over crumbling Republican opposition, the House voted 54-11 this morning to adequately fund a public safety program that is granting driver’s licenses to undocumented Colorado residents.

The program was authorized by a state law enacted as a public safety measure in 2013, supported by a broad coalition ranging from the county sheriffs to the ACLU.

The idea is to have competent, insured drivers on the road, regardless of their immigration status. Statistics show unlicensed drivers are three times more likely to cause a fatal ...]]>

(Feb. 25) – Over crumbling Republican opposition, the House voted 54-11 this morning to adequately fund a public safety program that is granting driver’s licenses to undocumented Colorado residents.

The program was authorized by a state law enacted as a public safety measure in 2013, supported by a broad coalition ranging from the county sheriffs to the ACLU.

The idea is to have competent, insured drivers on the road, regardless of their immigration status. Statistics show unlicensed drivers are three times more likely to cause a fatal crash. Licensed drivers have passed a vision test and have shown they know the rules of the road. With a license, they can obtain the required insurance, protecting every Colorado driver and passenger on the road.

The licenses are specifically labeled as being invalid as proof of citizenship.

The Department of Revenue based its original budget request for the program on an estimate that 15,000 Colorado residents would sign up for the program in its first year. Instead, more than 46,000 have signed up in the program’s first six months — about six times more than anticipated. So in its supplemental budget request for the fiscal year that ends in June, the DOR requested the authority to use $166,000 – money that has already been collected from license applicants and is sitting in a DOR bank account — to handle the heavy demand.

Senate Republicans on the Joint Budget Committee were OK with other funding requests in the supplemental bill, including expediting tax refunds, bolstering the Marijuana Enforcement Division and reducing a backlog in driver’s license revocations. But they voted to deny the request for the driver’s license program, claiming the money would “expand” the program. The stripped bill then passed the Senate.

In fact, the Senate’s action shrank the program. The Department of Revenue announced that it would shutter the program in Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Aurora, leaving only one office in Denver to handle the statewide demand.

Assistant Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, estimated that the waiting list would grow from one year to five.

When the DOR supplemental budget bill, SB15-161, came to the House, Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora, brought an amendment to restore the requested funds. He challenged Minority Leader Brian DelGrosso and other House Republicans who repeated the “expand the program” refrain.

“If this does not pass, it will not be an expansion of the program but a decimation of it,” Rep. Melton told the House during second-reading debate on Tuesday. “This is current law. If you do not like a law, you repeal it. But you do not go through these back-door channels and try to limit its funding, or unfund it.”

The House Republicans were out-shouted in a voice vote, and the amendment passed.

Before today’s recorded vote, Speaker Pro Tem Dan Pabon, D-Denver, came to the well to remind members of the broad support for the program. He also demolished the Republican claim that the supplemental request was some kind of extraordinary, rarely used maneuver.

“We’ve already passed 35 supplemental requests in this chamber just in the last two weeks,” Rep. Pabon told the House.

Minority Leader DelGrosso then came to the well to ask for support of the bill, which now goes back to the Senate.